Effectiveness evaluation of digital contact tracing for COVID-19 in New South Wales, Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Digital proximity tracing apps were rolled out early in the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries to complement conventional contact tracing. Empirical evidence about their benefits for pandemic response remains scarce. We evaluated the effectiveness and usefulness of COVIDSafe, Australia's national smartphone-based proximity tracing app for COVID-19.

Methods

In this prospective study, done in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, we included all individuals in the state who were older than 12 years with confirmed, locally acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection between May 4 and Nov 4, 2020. We used data from the NSW Notifiable Conditions Information Management System, the national COVIDSafe database, and information from case interviews, including information on app usage, the

SUBMITTER: Vogt F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8816387 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature